WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Hog production returned to profitability in 2011, but producers remain cautious about the future. This is evidenced by the modest expansion of the breeding herd as reported by USDA at the end of the year, said a Purdue University Extension economist.

BRATTLEBORO, Vt. — Holstein Association USA reports that 2011 was an exceptional year for U.S. Registered Holsteins. Enthusiasm for the Holstein breed is high and growing, evidenced by the 360,149 Holsteins that were registered, as of Dec. 31.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — According to a new study by Paul D. Mitchell, ag economist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the herbicide atrazine benefits U.S. corn, sorghum and sugar cane farmers by up to $3.3 billion annually, thanks to increased yield, decreased cost and reduced soil erosion.